Justice News

Bedford County Man Indicted On Firearms Violation

Prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. - A resident of Schellsburg, Pa. has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Pittsburgh on a charge of possession of an unregistered destructive device, United States Attorney David J. Hickton announced today.

The indictment named Stephen Edward Weaver, 55, as the sole defendant.

According to the indictment presented to the court, on June 5, 2011, Weaver was in possession of unregistered destructive devices, specifically two pipe bombs.

The law provides for a maximum total sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, or both. Under the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, the actual sentence imposed would be based upon the seriousness of the offense and the prior criminal history, if any, of the defendant.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie L. Haines is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.

The Pennsylvania State Police, Troop G Barracks, Bedford Barracks and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation leading to the indictment in this case.

According to Mr. Hickton, Weaver is being prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a collaborative effort by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent, deter and prosecute gun crime.

An indictment is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.